Ch.2424. Full Moon Festival

Atalante silently ran a hand over her face.

It was clearly a gesture to regain her composure.

She’s been like this ever since checking what was inside the pouch I handed her.

“Is this what I think it is?”

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but yes, it’s a thought entity.”

“…”

After a moment of silence, Atalante spoke again.

“…Did you enter the Otherworld?”

“Yes.”

This time she started rubbing her face dry.

She seems quite shocked.

“…And why is your hair so disheveled?”

“Before coming here, I stopped by Dean Percy’s office to hand over two lumps of ectoplasm. He was so surprised he started firing lightning magic everywhere.”

“…”

Actually, I got off easy.

The other graduate students who got hit by that magic looked absolutely terrible.

“So, are you satisfied with this?”

She had previously promised to give me another gift if I “satisfied her.”

This should be more than enough, I’d think.

“Satisfied doesn’t begin to cover it… Instead of giving this to me, if you took it to the Demonic Spire, they’d give you a mountain of jewels for it.”

Good heavens. A thought entity and ectoplasm.

Atalante rubbed her temple as she answered.

Fair enough.

Thought entities are objects containing the consciousness of those considered “great figures” who left behind significant achievements, and ectoplasm is an ultra-rare material that even the Demonic Spire barely manages to obtain 30-50g of per year.

It shows nearly universal utility depending on how it’s processed.

Depending on what catalyst you mix it with, you can make it harder than diamond, or process it into an explosive with tactical weapon-grade power.

I handed over two lumps of it in kilogram units, so no wonder Percy had a fit.

“…Alright. A promise is a promise, so I’ll give you your gift.”

“The gift is fine, but could I ask for a favor instead?”

“A favor?”

“Yes. I’d like you to ‘imbue’ that thought entity into an object.”

Atalante frowned at my words.

“…If you’re talking about imbuing a thought entity, that’s another choice focusing on the future rather than the present?”

“Exactly.”

If you process a thought entity directly into equipment, you get an item with particularly excellent performance compared to other materials.

But if you “imbue” it into an existing object, the consciousness of the thought entity slowly awakens, adding options that can’t be compared to simply high-performance equipment.

My choice is obviously the latter.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while.”

Atalante sighed deeply and said.

“Why are you going to such lengths?”

“Pardon?”

“No, I mean, honestly, you’ve already single-handedly subdued <Crescent Moon> Hasmed. You even knocked out a hero candidate with one blow.”

“…”

This person, she even knew I took down Hasmed?

Interestingly, she’s not saying much about that.

‘What she’s saying is true, though.’

In reality, by normal student standards, I’m certainly not weak.

I’ve seen the effects of ridiculous skills like Desperate Situation and Tristan Swordsmanship, but that much is undeniable fact.

“But why are you so desperately trying to become stronger? It’s like you’re being chased by something.”

Being chased, huh.

“…”

That’s actually an accurate description.

“If I don’t prepare this thoroughly, I’ll die.”

The enemies that appear in the main scenario, especially the chapter bosses who are somehow connected to the “demons,” aren’t the kind that can be dealt with simply based on skills or equipment.

Human disasters.

Calamities in human form.

They’re directly connected to demons with enough power to destroy the world on their own. It would be stranger if they weren’t overwhelmingly strong.

As someone who’s already deeply entangled with the protagonist and final boss, the core axes of the scenario, I’m literally being chased.

Especially now that the main scenario timeline is accelerating faster than expected.

‘…And Chapter 1 is no exception.’

Compared to the Chapter 2 boss, the Boy King of the Fallen Nation, or the Chapter 3 boss, the Apostle of the Inverted Tide, The Purifier is relatively manageable.

But unlike my preparation for those times with growth-type equipment, my current state is rather weak.

In fact, it might be more dangerous before hitting the growth curve.

In that sense.

“Actually, I might have to die once in the near future.”

I doubt it would come to that in just the Chapter 1 boss battle, but…

In an emergency… yeah.

It might really have to happen.

“…What?”

“It’s nothing.”

I shrug my shoulders and ask Atalante, who’s looking at me strangely.

“But may I ask you a question too?”

“What is it?”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

Atalante’s eyebrows curved slightly.

“…What do you mean?”

“You must have a mountain of questions. How a mere student managed to enter and exit the Otherworld intact, how I know about thought entities…”

No matter how you look at it, I’m casually spouting information that a student shouldn’t possibly know. Yet this person is letting it all slide without any questions.

Not only that, but I strongly feel her influence everywhere I go and whatever I do. It almost feels like the entire Academy revolves around me.

“So you’re self-aware? You’re not a fool after all.”

“Yes. Anyone who isn’t a fool would reach the same conclusion.”

I continue with a sigh.

“…How terrible a task are you planning to assign me that you’re buttering me up this much?”

The Chancellor cackled.

But she never gave me an answer.

●

So that’s what this is.

I examine the amulet wrapped around my wrist. It’s something the Chancellor spent a whole day working on.

[ Soul Linker ] [ Exclusive Equipment ]

[ Enchant: Epic ]

[ Equipment with a great spirit dwelling within. You can awaken the spirit’s consciousness by increasing synchronization rate. ]

[ It always contains mana due to the influence of the great soul. ]

[ Current charged mana rate: 100% ]

[ Current synchronization rate: 0% ]

Normally, other classes would have to feed rare material items to this equipment to increase the synchronization rate. There’s simply no other way.

The effect lives up to its intimidating name of Epic enchant, but I don’t need to do that in the first place.

‘Because my desired class is priest.’

I smile and take out the incense burner I always carry.

When I bring it close to the amulet, a small golden light emanates from the Soul Linker.

[ Current synchronization rate: 0.01% ]

That’s right.

Spirits generally respond sensitively to divinity.

Priests can rapidly increase the synchronization rate just by steadily growing their abilities, as the spirit gradually responds.

That’s why it’s an exclusive equipment.

‘Though I won’t be able to fully utilize the spirit until Chapter 2.’

In the entire game, there are fewer than 20 items with the “Epic” modifier. That’s how absolute the effect is when properly awakened.

For an amulet type, it synergizes particularly well with a priest’s divinity and miracles, so obtaining and growing this at this timing is already unbelievable.

If I steadily develop it from now, it will become one of the core pillars for clearing from Chapter 2 onward.

‘The fact that it’s charged with mana is also a merit.’

This is extremely useful for me, as I have zero innate ability and need to draw mana from elsewhere.

Just having this is enough for now. I have two skills that require mana to activate.

“Ah, thou.”

“…Hello.”

Of course, regardless of equipment, I need this person’s help to get through the immediate situation.

I put away the amulet and look at Elnore, who’s waving her hand in front of me.

[ Main Quest ]〖 Chapter 1 – The Purifier 〗

[ Successfully resolve the incident that will occur at “Twilight’s Eye”! ] [ D-0 ]

[ Reward: You will receive benefits in the main scenario branch! ]

[ Related events will occur soon! ]

This comes first.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“No, I haven’t waited that long.”

“Really? That’s good. You seem to have… dressed up a lot more than usual.”

That’s not wrong.

Someone who usually wears only a uniform has today come out in a flowing dress adorned with all sorts of accessories.

She even put a lot of effort into her makeup?

“…Is that so?”

Elnore smiled slightly at my words.

“Yes. It looks like it must have taken you a really long time.”

“Hmm. I came out to this area since morning to prepare. It took about 6 hours, I think.”

“…”

You said you didn’t wait long.

“…Well, that much isn’t considered waiting long. It’s bearable. Don’t feel burdened.”

“…”

“It’s not a lie. 6 hours is something I can easily throw away without…”

“…Shall we go?”

I sigh and gesture to Elnore, who’s starting to exaggerate.

When I gently grab her wrist to lead her, I can feel Elnore startling and fidgeting with her whole body.

“Darwood?”

“It’s too crowded.”

The town area just beyond the school building is bustling with the festival for the Full Moon Ceremony.

There are so many people that I might lose track of where she is if I don’t do this.

‘Was that unpleasant?’

To be honest, I don’t understand the appropriate distance with women.

Surprisingly, I’ve never had that experience in my life.

No dating, zero interactions with female friends, the illustrious Darwood Campbell.

Suddenly feeling a bit sad.

“Well, it certainly looks that way.”

“…”

Elnore, who powerfully struck a nerve with that one sentence, smiled and removed my hand from her wrist.

Ah, so it was unpleasant after…

“That’s not how one escorts.”

Holding hands is a token of respect and trust for the other person. It shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Each joint firmly grasped, everything touching.

With that comment, Elnore gently took my hand.

Thanks to our entire hands touching, warmth rose pleasantly through my skin.

“This way, I won’t lose thee.”

“…”

“Lead the way.”

I stare with round eyes at Elnore who speaks like that.

“…Elnore, did you just smile?”

More precisely, that expression of a faint smile as if embarrassed.

In the original story, Elnore was always shown suffering from something.

The influence of the Grey Demon rising from within, external competition with Elia, the hero candidate. On top of that, political machinations against the Tristan Dukedom.

An environment where she was always under extreme pressure, both physically and mentally.

Every single factor was designed to break down this person’s mental state.

As a result, I only remember her with a stiff, expressionless face and mechanical behavior patterns.

I, during all that time invested in Serath.

I have never seen this person smile even slightly in front of others.

But what is this?

This defenseless expression.

As if she can truly feel at ease in front of me.

“…”

And at my words, Elnore’s expression immediately stiffened again.

“…Did I smile?”

“…I think you did?”

“Are you sure?”

“Why are you asking me that…”

“No, I’ve never smiled before, so I don’t exactly know what that sensation is.”

“…”

“It did feel like an awkward expression though.”

Well.

It seems like it will take a while before that becomes natural.

●

“Oh? Mr. Darwood?”

“Huh?”

And when we arrived at Twilight’s Eye, a surprisingly familiar face was there to greet me.

“Talion?”

“You remember me. Thank you.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m working part-time as a waiter. My family practices laissez-faire parenting.”

“…”

I’m slightly dumbfounded by Talion’s affable smile and explanation.

Even I, from a mere barony, receive pocket money for living expenses. But the eldest son of a viscount doing this?

Isn’t that a bit much?

“But this is, um…”

Talion looked at me and Elnore, who was practically hanging on my arm, with a perplexed gaze.

“…Are you dating the student council president?”

“…That’s not it.”

“…”

Talion’s gaze seemed to ask what this posture was about, but I also want to make excuses.

It started with just holding hands, but Elnore gradually snuggled closer until we ended up like this.

Even if I wanted to push her away, I don’t have the specs for it.

“…!”

And Elnore twisted my arm severely after hearing my answer.

I thought she was going to tear it off.

“…Why are you doing that?”

“Punishment.”

“What punishment?”

My arm was twisted again, and this time I couldn’t hold back a groan.

“Well, I can see you two are close.”

I grumble to Talion, who says that with a smile.

“…But why are you speaking so formally?”

I understand Elia, who used formal speech with everyone as he pleased in the original work, but wasn’t Talion someone who fought tooth and nail with me?

What’s with the sudden honorifics?

“I just want to speak that way to you, Mr. Darwood.”

Talion answered humbly, bowing his head.

Come to think of it, was his impression like this in the original work?

I remember him being like a diligent and earnest athletic department ace junior… before his corruption.

“What respect. We’re classmates anyway.”

“Then I’ll call you big brother. You’re older than me, aren’t you?”

“…”

That’s true.

At Elphante, it’s common for classmates to be of different ages.

The problem is.

“How do you know that?”

“Marquis Riverback often talks about you, big brother. He seems very interested in you.”

My eyebrows furrow involuntarily at Talion’s answer.

‘That bastard…’

I had the optimistic thought that he might have simply approached me after seeing me with Elia and Elnore.

But Marquis Riverback is a snake of a man. If he was simply thinking of using me as a bridgehead to approach them, he wouldn’t need to take such interest in me.

“So, welcome to Twilight’s Eye. I hope you have a good time.”

I face Talion, who says that with a cheerful smile.

“…”

Come to think of it, after raising Elnore and Elia’s affection, I received messages saying the main scenario had been altered.

It’s clear the effects have reached this far.

The axis of Marquis Riverback’s interest has shifted from ‘Elia’ to ‘me’.

‘Which means…’

The probability of me having a good time at this restaurant today converges infinitely to zero.

“Talion. Are you wearing a necklace or something?”

“…Pardon?”

Talion fumbled around his neck area at my words, looking bewildered.

It’s a necklace with an emblem in the middle. I remember this item too.

“It’s issued by the Purification House Foundation run by Marquis Riverback. Only some talented individuals sponsored by them would wear it.”

“Yes, that’s what I’m talking about.”

Just as I thought.

If the scenario has twisted like that.

I should prepare a counterpunch of my own.

[ Using Skill: Control of Evil. ]

[ Exercising command authority on target ‘Talion’. ]

“Don’t wear it today.”

“…What?”

“And do your best to prevent others from wearing it too. Understand?”

“…”

I pat Talion’s dumbfounded shoulders and enter the restaurant.

‘…Well, whatever.’

Just with that.

I’ve gained a significant “advantage” over Marquis Riverback tonight.

“Ah, Mr. Darwood Campbell. Welcome.”

So I smile back brightly at Marquis Riverback, who greets me with a wide smile as I enter the restaurant.

‘Bring it on, you bastard.’

Chapter 1. The Purifier conquest.

This is where it begins.

●